A former election observer in Island County, Washington, has been convicted of felony charges after refusing to comply with a mask mandate during the 2024 general election. Timothy Hazelo, who previously served as the chair of the Island County Republican Party, along with fellow observer Tracy Abuhl, chose not to wear masks at a voting center on November 4, 2024, despite being offered them upon entry.
The mask policy had been instituted by Sheilah Crider, the Island County Auditor, in response to a high rate of COVID-19 infections among election staff. Upon refusing the masks, Hazelo and Abuhl were informed they could not observe the ballot processing. Abuhl attempted to view the counting from the hallway but found her visibility obstructed by plastic sheeting. After approximately 30 minutes, Michele Reagan, the Elections Supervisor, reiterated that they must wear masks to remain in the facility.
Hazelo was subsequently found guilty on one count of second-degree criminal trespass and one count of felony unlawful entry into an election facility. He faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for the felony and up to 364 days for the misdemeanor. Following the verdict, Hazelo expressed his disappointment on his YouTube channel, stating, “I don’t know what to make of it, we’re going to appeal it.” He claimed that other individuals at the voting center were not wearing masks and alleged that he and Abuhl were unfairly singled out due to their political affiliation.
In a social media post, Abuhl echoed Hazelo’s sentiments, asserting that Crider anticipated their refusal to wear masks. Notably, Crider is also affiliated with the Republican Party. Abuhl stated, “Island County needs to get a grip on reality because masks don’t work and COVID is survivable.”
The situation is underscored by the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus has led to over 1.23 million deaths in the United States from January 1, 2020, to July 5, 2025. Crider testified that the mask mandate was necessary to protect her staff, nearly half of whom had previously contracted COVID-19.
In response to his conviction, Hazelo has initiated a fundraising campaign, which has reportedly raised nearly $10,000 towards a goal of $50,000. Abuhl is set to appear in court later this month as her case continues.